Create Tour Connect (CTC) has been recognised as “a successful cross-regional rural touring initiative” and used as a case study in Arts Council England’s latest research, part of the development of a new national Touring Service.
CTC features throughout the new In Our Reach report released today focusing on outdoor, rural, community and small-scale touring.
The project is recognised for its “innovative collaboration”, how it demonstrates that performances can “generate conversation, social connection and wider involvement” and as an example of a “cross-regional commissioning and touring structure” that could support the modernisation and expansion of rural touring.
The national project, CTC, brings together 18 touring organisations across four regional hubs to commission, develop and tour new theatre to community venues across England.
Since 2024, the project has been demonstrating how collaboration, shared resources and a coordinated national approach can help address some of the challenges facing touring theatre today. CTC commissioned four new shows, with two already toured, one currently touring and another to set off in 2027. More than 3,000 people have seen a CTC show so far, with 83% of audience members saying that CTC gave them access to cultural experiences they would not otherwise have been able to attend (Applause audience feedback survey).
The third CTC tour, George and the Drag Queen, is currently performing across 38 dates until 12th December.
The State of Touring report, published by Arts Council England back in April, identified the issues across the wider touring landscape including increased pressure on venues and producers, rising costs, shorter, more concentrated tours and a need for greater collaboration across the sector.
Create Tour Connect was established specifically to tackle these issues.
Applause Rural Touring Executive Director Dawn Badland said: “This recognition is particularly significant because Create Tour Connect was designed in direct response to many of the challenges identified in the report, which touring organisations have been experiencing for years. We are showing that new models of touring are possible. They can help sustain and strengthen high quality professional theatre in communities and offer cultural experiences to people beyond the towns and cities.”
CTC has been awarded a new National Lottery Project Grant enabling the project to enter its next phase, supporting three more new productions touring across 108 dates nationwide from spring 2028.
Callout now open – South East/South West artists and companies
We are now looking for a new piece of theatre relevant to contemporary rural and community adult audiences for a 36 date national tour from late January – early May 2028.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 1st November 2026
Click here to find out more and to apply
